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Journalist gone rogue turned award-winning director and writer Richard Peppiatt is joining ELEANOR in the US and UK. determined to defy industry norms and bring revolutionary craft to the realm of advertising. Renowned for his sharp wit, visual ingenuity, and resonant narratives, Richard's work exemplifies the transformative power of storytelling. 

Richard's debut feature Kneecap, a riotous and heartfelt comedy about Belfast’s infamous rap trio, has become a cultural phenomenon. The film recently swept the British Independent Film Awards with seven wins–including Best British Independent Film and Best Debut Screenwriter–and promises to continue dominating the global awards circuit. Earlier this year, Kneecap made history as the first Irish-language feature to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the NEXT Audience Award. A celebration of music, subculture, and the power of language, the film’s irreverent humour and poignant storytelling have earned praise from critics and audiences alike. 

Reflecting on the power of his work, Sophie Gold, president of Eleanor, shared, “When my husband suggested we watch Kneecap on a date night, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a film about an Irish hip-hop band rapping in Gaelic. But from the opening scene, I was blown away. The film is perfectly paced, wickedly funny, and utterly brilliant. By the end, I turned to my husband and said, ‘This is the best film I’ve seen all year.’ Naturally, I reached out to Rich immediately.” 

Before his directorial career, Richard made headlines with his hard-hitting critique of his experience as a journalist, toured nationally as an esteemed stand-up, and built a reputation as an acclaimed TV writer, earning a Scottish RTS & BAFTA. With a creative journey that defied expectations at every turn, Richard's distinct narratives promise an intoxicating blend of authenticity and adventure. 

On his new chapter, Richard shared, “Moving from the narrative world into the advertising world, I'm excited by projects that allow for exploration. In advertising’s heyday, directors had the freedom to push the boat out creatively and test out ideas. Storytelling has always been about pushing boundaries and connecting with audiences in unexpected ways. I want to be part of the return to that level of creative ambition. Whether in film or advertising, my focus remains on creating work that entertains and resonates.” 

Richard's addition to Eleanor’s roster represents a meeting of creative minds, with Eleanor offering a platform for Richard's distinctive voice to continue breaking new ground. His track record speaks for itself: a BAFTA Award-winning journalist-turned-filmmaker, Richard's work is a testament to the enduring power of daring, authentic storytelling.